Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The rebates will assist five school districts across Maryland in purchasing over 53 clean school buses. This initiative aims to transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older diesel-fueled buses, which have been linked to health issues such as asthma.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan is set to join schoolchildren, district leaders, and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, to highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and protect children’s health. "President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air," said Regan. "With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet."
Baltimore County Public Schools will receive $8,625,000 for over 25 clean school buses; Prince George's County Public Schools will get $5,215,000 for over 15 buses; Anne Arundel County Public Schools will obtain $1,320,000 for more than six buses; Allegany County Public Schools will receive $345,000 for one bus; and Charles County Public Schools will be granted $1,200,000 for over six buses.
“Today’s announcement will improve outcomes for human health, the environment, and the clean energy economy,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz.
In September 2023, the EPA announced at least $500 million available for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The application period closed in February 2024 with high demand from various districts nationwide. Consequently, the EPA doubled the funding to nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding builds on a previous investment of almost $2 billion through 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants aimed at improving air quality around schools and reducing greenhouse gas pollution.
The selections provide funds to districts in 47 states and Washington D.C., including several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. About 45 percent of selected projects are from low-income or rural communities and Tribal nations.
The EPA is partnering with other federal departments to provide technical assistance ensuring effective implementation of these initiatives. Additional awards may be made as applications continue to be reviewed.
For further details on current funding opportunities like the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program accepting applications until July 25th or future rounds of CSB funding programs can be found on their official website.
The Clean School Bus Program was established by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with an unprecedented allocation of $5 billion aimed at transforming the nation’s fleet of school buses into cleaner alternatives like electric buses that produce zero tailpipe emissions.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these new buses aims to address transportation's significant role in climate change while also saving money for school districts by upgrading their fleets with zero-emission vehicles.
